Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh): A powerful explosion ripped through a firecracker manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district on Friday afternoon, causing in major casualties.
At least 20 people are feared to have lost their lives and some others are critically injured, according to Kakinada SP Bindu Madhav.
Initial reports put the toll at 10, but the number of casualties has risen to 20. Police fear that the death toll may rise further.
The explosion took place around 2 pm at Surya Sri Fire Works, located in Kakinada’s Vetlapalem village.
Locals said such was the intensity of the explosion that it could be heard 3-4 kilometres away.
The blast triggered a large fire and sent thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, causing panic in surrounding villages.
According to eyewitnesses, bodies were thrown into nearby paddy fields.
The grievously wounded and injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. Officials have not yet released the identities of victims.
Fire Department teams, emergency responders and local authorities are continuing rescue and relief operations amid concerns that more workers may have been present at the facility at the time of the explosion.
